Converting a VHS collection...

Kaji01 · Post by **Kaji01** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 12:25 am

My mom and dad have decided it's time to toss the tapes. All well and good, but the question is what is the best method of doing so...they want to keep it under $500, and ideally under $300, but I don't see that happening...

The original solution proposed was to use a combo DVD-R deck and dub them, but I'm against that because it wastes the potential it has for data storage/AMV project burning.

I proposed a capture card/DVD burner solution, but the only desktop we have runs Win98, and they have no interest in upgrading it.

My dad's ideal solution at this point is an external DVD-R drive that has RCA inputs built in, but I don't know that such a drive exists. Anyone out there able to make any reccommendations on how to best go about this and maintain a reasonably high level of quality (keep in mind that the tapes in the collection include some that are up to 20 years old and rather worn...)

TaranT · Post by **TaranT** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 12:49 am

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getp ... ic%2520e55
I used a slightly different model to back up my fansubs. Very easy to use, but stick with name-brand DVD-Rs. In many cases, the DVD will look better than the source tape.

klinky · Post by **klinky** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 3:39 am

Place tapes in box, place box in attic.

Seriously I think the *best* way to do it is to use the computer. But the easiet way may be with a DVD-R deck. But the cost of a DVD-R deck could probably be used to upgrade/purchase a new computer. So meh...

mehhhhh

TaranT · Post by **TaranT** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 3:59 am

klinky wrote:Place tapes in box, place box in attic.

Seriously I think the *best* way to do it is to use the computer. But the easiet way may be with a DVD-R deck. But the cost of a DVD-R deck could probably be used to upgrade/purchase a new computer. So meh...

mehhhhh

Technically, I'd agree, but what's "best" depends on other factors, too. For half a dozen, a dozen tapes - the PC would work. But if you've got 50, 100, 200 tapes - using a PC would get tedious what with having to author each disc. With a dedicated box, you just push play and record and go away until it's done.

I've heard of a Hauppauge TV card for a PC that records from its TV input directly to a DVD-R in real time. And I believe it has video inputs, but don't quote me. It's a model PVR250, I think (?), and goes for around $100.

It sounds like Kaji01 doesn't want to upgrade or get a new PC, and I doubt that a Win98 machine is up to this task.

Imaginos · Post by **Imaginos** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 5:36 am

TaranT wrote: I've heard of a Hauppauge TV card for a PC that records from its TV input directly to a DVD-R in real time. And I believe it has video inputs, but don't quote me. It's a model PVR250, I think (?), and goes for around $100.

FYI -- I have this card, and I don't belive it can capture right to a DVD-R, What it has over the cheaper cards is that it has its own hardware MPEG-2 encoder, so when you are capturing it doesnt bog down the whole system. It also helps with the "pause / play" feature when watching tv.

It does have an S-Video inmput and in theory it will work as a capture device under Premeire but i havent tried that yet.